You could be charged with drug conspiracy if you are found to have plotted with others to commit any drug-related offense, such as possession, distribution or manufacturing. You do not have to commit the actual offense or be the ringleader to face such charges.
Additionally, the agreement in question need not necessarily be formal. It could be verbal or implied by the conduct of the individuals involved. The mere planning and intent to do so are sufficient grounds for drug conspiracy charges as long as one of the conspirators took a significant step in executing the plan.
If you conspire to manufacture drugs, for example, and one of the people involved purchases the ingredients or equipment needed, such action could be deemed a significant step toward carrying out the plan. As such, everyone involved could be charged with drug conspiracy.
Possible legal penalties depend on several factors
The consequences of a drug conspiracy conviction in Georgia primarily depend on the crime in question, referred to as the underlying offense. The law prescribes imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than half the maximum prison sentence you could have been subject to had you been convicted of the underlying offense if it is a felony. You may also be fined half of the maximum fine the underlying offense attracts if you are found guilty.
A drug conspiracy charge with an underlying offense that is a misdemeanor is punished as a misdemeanor. The penalties typically include a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail and fines of up to $1,000. It is also worth noting that other aspects could enhance these penalties, such as your criminal history and the presence of aggravating factors.
There is so much at stake if you are convicted of drug conspiracy, and the ramifications can stretch far beyond jail time. As such, you should not take these charges lightly. Seeking legal intervention as soon as possible can help you build a strong defense strategy and increase the odds of a favorable outcome.